Ghana MP Afenyo-Markin Fires Back at Sammy Gyamfi NDC Allegations

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in Parliament, has fired back at allegations made against him by Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, in a Facebook post.

Afenyo-Markin Downplays Threat of Legal Action

Afenyo-Markin appeared to soften his earlier threat to pursue legal action over the allegations, which included claims portraying him as an "extortionist." He had indicated in a Facebook post that he would seek legal remedies, but less than 24 hours later, he adopted a more measured tone when asked whether he would indeed take Gyamfi to court.

Speaking on JoyNews' The Probe on Sunday evening, August 23, Afenyo-Markin declined to commit himself to legal action, instead invoking the biblical example of Jesus Christ, who he said remained silent despite being subjected to accusations. "I have made certain statements. I would rely on them without more. Don't rush. In the Bible, Jesus was accused; wild allegations. He kept quiet and watched them. He could have done anything," he said.

Minority Leader Stresses Maturity and Focus

Afenyo-Markin emphasized that he was conscious of the expectations placed on him as Minority Leader and would not allow emotions to dictate his response to the attacks. "The people of Ghana expect a certain level of maturity from me. The people of Ghana see that this is an accomplished businessman. He's been in the space for some time. He's leading a group. The tradition of the party NPP that I lead expects a certain level of conduct," he said.

He stressed that he did not intend to be drawn into what he described as a political strategy aimed at distracting attention from the substantive issues surrounding the Bank of Ghana's Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP). "It's not an emotional game. It's not a game that somebody attacks you, you should also react. No, you won't get it," he added.

Focus Shifts Back to GoldBod Losses

Afenyo-Markin said the Minority would remain focused on its planned parliamentary inquiry into the reported losses under the gold purchase programme. "We want to focus. We promised the people of Ghana that we would file a motion; we have filed that motion," he said. He insisted that the Minority's concerns over the DGPP and reported losses associated with it were a matter of national interest rather than a partisan political attack.

Afenyo-Markin also referenced the experience of current Majority Leader and former Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who faced criminal proceedings while serving in opposition. "In opposition, like I said, was Ato Forson not in court? Was his not worse than my situation? Do you get what I mean?" he said.

Minority Leader Prepares for Personal Attacks

Afenyo-Markin acknowledged that political opponents were entitled to criticise him but warned against what he described as excessive and unacceptable language. "You know, we are in a political environment; people are free to oppose or disagree. But what the political environment cannot tolerate is the excesses there too," he said.

He said he understood the responsibilities that came with his position and was prepared to face whatever challenges arose. "I'm very clear on my mind. The very day I took this job, I knew the weight of it. Everything is on me. I'm ready to live up to the task. I rely on my God, and I thank the party for the support," he said.

The immediate priority, according to Afenyo-Markin, was to secure parliamentary approval for the Minority's planned parliamentary inquiry into the reported losses under the gold purchase programme. With the controversy surrounding the allegations against him appearing to subside, the focus is now back on the Minority's planned inquiry into the reported losses under the gold purchase programme. The outcome of this inquiry will likely have significant implications for the Bank of Ghana and the Ghana Gold Board.

Source: JOY